5 Best Adaptogenic Coffee Alternatives for Calm and Stress-Free Mornings

Many people start their day with the familiar ritual of brewing a cup of coffee, which provides that essential jolt to kickstart the morning. Although this routine promises a burst of alertness and productivity, for some, it comes with an unwelcome side effect – a racing mind. 

The very beverage that’s meant to help us energize and focus can lead to jitteriness, which overshadows the morning calm with a cloud of unease.

If you’re sick and tired of this feeling, it’s time to explore the best adaptogenic coffee alternatives and start the day on a more balanced note.

In this article, we’ll discuss the five best stress relief drinks and their benefits to ensure your first sip of the day brings calmness, not tension.

What’s the Connection Between Coffee and Mood?

Most studies investigating the link between coffee and mood have been done in people with mood and mental disorders. Although we understand why coffee can induce unwanted symptoms, it’s still unclear whether consuming caffeine regularly makes healthy people more anxious.

According to a 2021 study, greater caffeine intake was linked with higher anxiety levels in college students. However, a 2023 study found no significant connection between daily caffeine consumption and feeling anxious.

So, the link between coffee and poor mood is more complex than we first thought. Here’s what we know so far…

One of the primary ways coffee impacts mood is through its impact on the heart rate. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases heart rate and blood pressure, which are often associated with mood.

This physical response can create a feedback loop, where the sensation of a racing heart further fuels feelings of anxiousness, making it difficult to distinguish between caffeine-induced discomfort.

Caffeine also increases the levels of cortisol, which is also known as the “stress hormone.” Although cortisol is vital to how we respond to stress, it can quickly be too much.

Things get even more complicated when you consider that caffeine blocks adenosine receptors. This neurotransmitter promotes relaxation and sleepiness, acting as a natural brake on the body’s arousal system.

So, when caffeine inhibits these receptors, it blocks the calming effects of adenosine, which can make you more anxious.

5 Soothing Alternatives to Coffee With Adaptogens for Better Mood

Ever feel like your coffee’s more frenemy than a friend? Does it look like it hypes you up only to let you down with a case of the jitters? Then, it’s time to partner up with some of the best adaptogenic alternatives to coffee that actually has your back.

1. MTE (More Than Energy)

MTE stands out from the morning beverage crowd with the unique blend of 11 adaptogens, nootropics, and superfoods designed to offer holistic support to energy and well-being. 

Unlike the quick spike and inevitable crash associated with drinking coffee and energy drinks, our healthy energy drink alternative delivers a smooth, sustained lift that keeps you cruising through the day without the jitters.

What sets MTE apart is a unique formulation that boosts energy and supports overall health. It includes paraxanthine, which is a metabolite of caffeine that doesn’t cause the typical side effects. Along with other nootropics, it provides a more gentle and sustained energy boost.

MTE also features an adaptogenic herb blend with maca, ashwagandha, holy basil, and other adaptogens that sharpen your focus while simultaneously calming the mind.

The resulting energy boost is calm and enduring, which allows you to maintain focus and productivity without poor mood or crashes.

Oh, yeah, did we mention how our Everyday Blend contains 0 mg of caffeine per serving? That’s right; we just want to help you feel the steady flow of caffeine-free energy.

No caffeine also means no disrupting your sleeping cycle. In fact, MTE improves the quality of your sleep by promoting a balanced and relaxed state throughout the day. That helps ease the transition into a restful nighttime.

2. MUD\WTR®

MUD\WTR® is a carefully curated blend of mushrooms, spices, and tea that offers a rich and savory experience and awakens the senses without the typical caffeine crash. 

This unique formulation includes masala chai and cacao to provide an energizing and grounding experience. Although the masala chai contains small amounts of caffeine, it is significantly less than your standard cup of joe.

This vegan coffee alternative relies on adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps to support everything from brain health and immunity to stress response and physical performance. As a result, MUD\WTR is an excellent adaptogenic alternative to coffee.

Beyond the gentle energy boost, MUD\WTR’s ingredients work synergistically to reduce fatigue, improve focus, and support immunity, all while nurturing the body’s natural stress defenses.

3. Magic Mind®

Magic Mind® is a healthy energy shot that redefines what a morning energy boost should look like. It’s packed with a blend of nootropics, adaptogens, and functional mushrooms, which support cognitive function, increase productivity, and provide sustained energy without the usual stimulant-induced issues.

Ingredients like L-theanine from matcha offer a smooth energy lift, while adaptogens such as ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea work to mitigate stress and promote mental clarity. This combination ensures a calm yet alert state, ideal for those seeking an alternative to the anxious buzz of caffeine.

Magic Mind adaptogenic drink provides an energy boost that’s not just about waking up but waking with purpose and peace. The inclusion of matcha provides a gentle caffeine touch, complemented by L-theanine to smooth out any edges, offering focused energy.

Beyond energy, this stress relief drink supports immunity, reduces inflammation, and is a potent antioxidant source.

Want to see how Magic Mind compares to MTE? Read our MTE vs Magic Mind article.

4. Chagaccino®

Chagaccino® reimagines the classic morning cappuccino to offer a healthier alternative to coffee lovers. This unique blend combines the rich, earthy flavors of Chaga mushrooms with the familiar warmth of coffee without relying on caffeine to kickstart your day.

The main ingredient, Chaga mushroom, is known for its antioxidant properties and immune-boosting benefits. These adaptogenic mushrooms also contribute to the overall calming effect of this drink, which helps regulate the body’s stress response and promotes mental balance.

Chagaccino offers an energy boost derived from natural, adaptogenic sources rather than caffeine, ensuring your day starts on a balanced note, free from jitters.

5. Green Tea

Have you just tried swapping coffee for tea? Okay, we know this is probably the first thing people ask you when you say you want to cut back on caffeine. But hear us out…

Green tea has been a go-to drink for calm energy and health benefits for thousands of years. Unlike coffee, which provides a sharp energy jolt, green tea offers a more subtle boost thanks to its unique composition.

The magic of green tea lies in its balance of caffeine and L-theanine (and other helpful ingredients). This duo works together to produce balanced energy, with L-theanine smoothing out caffeine’s stimulatory effects. As a result, green tea helps sharpen your focus and attention while maintaining a sense of calm, which reduces the likelihood of caffeine-induced side effects.

Additionally, green tea is rich in antioxidants like catechins, which offer protective benefits against oxidative stress and contribute to overall health.

The Final Sip: Choosing the Best Adaptogenic Alternative to Coffee 

Although many people start their days with coffee, the stimulatory effects of caffeine contribute to a cycle of energy spikes and crashes that make you feel more anxious. 

We wanted to change that and present the best adaptogenic coffee alternatives. From the adaptogenic and nootropic-rich MTE, the earthy goodness of MUD\WTR, the cognitive-enhancing Magic Mind, the antioxidant powerhouse of Chagaccino, to the ancient tranquility of green tea, each option from this list offers a unique path to starting the day with balanced energy and a clear mind.

While each of these alternatives has unique benefits, we hold a special place for MTE. In fact, we designed it to be your reliable wellness companion.

With a blend of adaptogens for stress relief, nootropics for mental clarity, and superfoods for all-around health, this stress relief drink is created to provide sustained, jitter-free energy, making every morning a step towards a more balanced self.

Try MTE today and unlock the secret of calm, productive mornings.